Latest news with #GeneralDataProtectionRegulation
Hans India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
WhatsApp Begins Global Rollout of Ads, but EU Opts Out Until 2026
Meta has taken a significant step in monetising WhatsApp by rolling out advertisements across the app globally, except in the European Union. This change, announced on June 16, marks a pivotal shift for the world's most-used messaging platform, which long positioned itself as ad-free. The ads will now be visible in the Updates tab, specifically within Status—WhatsApp's version of Instagram Stories. However, for millions of users in the EU, the wait for ads will extend at least until 2026 due to regulatory delays. According to Meta, the new ads will not interfere with personal messaging. 'We believe the Updates tab is the right place for these new features,' WhatsApp clarified in a blog post. The ads will appear alongside updates from friends and family but will not intrude into personal chats, calls, or group conversations. This subtle placement is designed to balance user experience with Meta's revenue goals. As part of this broader monetisation strategy, Meta is also introducing channel subscriptions and promoted channels. Channel subscriptions will allow creators to offer exclusive content behind a paywall, while promoted channels will be highlighted in the app's Explore section, expanding reach for brands and content creators alike. Interestingly, users in the European Union won't see these ads just yet. Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), which oversees Meta's EU operations, has confirmed that WhatsApp's ad model will not go live in the region before 2026. 'That new product won't be launching in the EU market until 2026. We have been informed by WhatsApp,' said Des Hogan, the Irish Data Protection Commissioner. The delay stems from concerns over compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), one of the world's strictest privacy laws. For users outside the EU—including India—the ads will be personalised with limited data. Meta will use location (city and country), language, and user interaction with channels to tailor content. If users have connected WhatsApp to the Meta Accounts Center, their ad preferences from Facebook and Instagram may also influence what they see. However, Meta insists that it's safeguarding user privacy. The company reiterated that it will not use private messages, calls, or group activity for ad targeting. These remain fully encrypted, and phone numbers won't be shared with advertisers. The timing of this rollout is bold, especially as Meta faces an ongoing antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. The integration of ad systems across its platforms—WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook—is under scrutiny, with critics arguing it reflects Meta's unchecked market power. Nonetheless, the shift signals a new chapter for WhatsApp. With 1.5 billion daily users, Meta sees enormous revenue potential. Having earned over $160 billion in ad revenue last year, the addition of WhatsApp to its ad portfolio could significantly boost earnings. Yet, it also raises questions about the future of private, clutter-free communication on the app.
India Today
16 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
Meta is bringing ads to WhatsApp almost everywhere, but EU is an exception: Full story in 5 points
After years of promising to keep WhatsApp ad-free, Meta has officially started rolling out advertisements inside the world's most popular messaging app. This was announced by Meta on June 16. However, in a rare exception, users in the European Union will not be seeing these changes just yet. With the new monetisation model going live almost everywhere else, the EU has pushed back, citing privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny. Here is a breakdown of what is happening, and what this means for users ads go live almost everywhereEarlier this week, Meta confirmed that ads are now officially live inside WhatsApp's Updates tab, marking the platform's first major step towards monetisation through advertising – after denying for years that it would ever push ads on the messenger. Ads will appear in the Status section of the app, which works similarly to Instagram Stories – it shows photos, text, or videos that disappear after 24 hours. This means, ads will now appear alongside updates from friends and contacts. Importantly, Meta has clarified that ads will not appear in personal chats, messages, or groups. 'We believe the Updates tab is the right place for these new features,' WhatsApp said in a blog post. Alongside ads, Meta is also rolling out two other features to the messenger. One is channel subscriptions, which lets users pay for exclusive content from select creators, and the second is promoted channels, which will get visibility in the app's Explore users will not see ads until at least 2026 advertisementEU users are going to be an exception to the ad rollout on WhatsApp – at least for sometime. Despite a global rollout, WhatsApp users in the European Union will not see ads anytime soon. Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), which oversees Meta's compliance in the region, confirmed that the new ad model has been delayed in the EU until at least 2026, according to a report by Politico. 'That new product won't be launching in the EU market until 2026. We have been informed by WhatsApp,' said Des Hogan, Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner. The DPC will now meet with WhatsApp and other European data protection authorities to review the plan before allowing its delay is widely seen as a result of Europe's stringent privacy laws, including he General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which sets a high bar for how companies can collect and use personal ads, but with limitsComing back to the advertisements that everyone else will be seeing, including users in India, Meta says that the WhatsApp ads will be personalised using limited information. This would include details of your city, country, language, and how you interact with channels and sponsored posts. If you have linked WhatsApp with your Meta Accounts Center, ad preferences from Facebook and Instagram may also influence what ads you the company insists that it is keeping users' core data private. Personal messages, calls, and group activity will not be used for ads targeting, and Meta says these remain fully end-to-end encrypted. It has also promised that phone numbers will not be shared or sold to advertisers. A risky bet amid a big antitrust battleThe timing of WhatsApp's ad rollout is notable – and bold. Meta is currently facing a major antitrust lawsuit in the US, which could potentially force the company to unwind its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. And now the launch of ads, especially ones that tie together data from WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, may raise further questions about the company's market dominance and use of user data across has long argued that its integrated ad business supports small businesses. However, during the trial, the same integration is seen as evidence of anti-competitive behaviour. WhatsApp's big shift towards monetisationThe move to introduce ads reflects a major shift in WhatsApp's strategy. Originally designed as a private, ad-free messaging app, WhatsApp now joins Meta's other platforms – Facebook and Instagram – in generating revenue from Meta has for years been denying rumours that WhatsApp will get ads, it was also not entirely unexpected now when it rolled out because WhatsApp head Will Cathcart confirmed in 2023 that ads are in development. And if you look at it from the business side of things: with WhatsApp now boasting 1.5 billion daily users, the opportunity for revenue is enormous. Last year, Meta reportedly earned over $160 billion in advertising revenue, and now the roll out of ads to WhatsApp could help push that figure even higher. However, this also means that the platform that many users have relied on for private, interruption-free experience is becoming increasingly commercialised.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Security and Vulnerability Management Software Market is expected to reach USD 43.14 billion by 2030
Security and Vulnerability Management Software Market Outlook 2025–2030 Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global security and vulnerability management software market is on a strong growth trajectory. It is projected to increase from USD 18.19 billion in 2025 to USD 43.14 billion by 2030, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% during the forecast period. This upward trend is being driven by escalating cyber threats, rapid digital transformation, and widespread cloud adoption across industries. As businesses continue to digitize their operations and embrace remote or hybrid work environments, the demand for robust cybersecurity tools has intensified. Security and vulnerability management (SVM) software plays a pivotal role in helping organizations safeguard critical systems and data against ever-evolving cyber threats. Download PDF Brochure: Understanding Security and Vulnerability Management Software Security and vulnerability management software refers to a suite of tools designed to help organizations proactively identify, assess, and remediate vulnerabilities within their IT infrastructure. These solutions are essential in ensuring that potential security gaps are addressed before malicious actors can exploit them. One of the primary functions of this software is vulnerability scanning, which automates the process of identifying weaknesses in applications, configurations, and network components. Another critical feature is risk assessment and prioritization. Once vulnerabilities are detected, the software ranks them based on factors such as severity, potential impact, and exploitability. This helps IT teams focus on the most pressing threats first. Additionally, patch management capabilities allow organizations to streamline the deployment of updates and security patches, ensuring that known vulnerabilities are resolved promptly. By consolidating these functions, SVM tools provide a centralized approach to securing digital assets and maintaining regulatory compliance. Key Drivers Fueling Market Growth Several factors are contributing to the expanding demand for security and vulnerability management solutions. One of the foremost drivers is the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks. Organizations across the globe are under constant threat from ransomware, phishing schemes, and advanced persistent threats (APTs). In response, businesses are investing in proactive tools to detect and mitigate these threats in real-time. Another major factor is the growing reliance on cloud infrastructure. As businesses shift workloads to public and private clouds, the complexity and scale of security management increase. SVM tools equipped to handle cloud-native environments are becoming indispensable. Furthermore, compliance with data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other international standards is pushing organizations to adopt more sophisticated vulnerability management practices. Lastly, digital transformation initiatives are prompting organizations to modernize their IT systems and processes. This transformation, while offering operational efficiencies, also introduces new vulnerabilities, which underscores the importance of a robust SVM framework. Asia-Pacific: The Fastest-Growing Regional Market The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing the most rapid growth in the security and vulnerability management software market. This can be attributed to a combination of high cyberattack frequency, accelerated cloud infrastructure adoption, and increasing digitization across sectors. Governments and businesses in countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea are investing heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure to protect against threats targeting financial institutions, government databases, and critical infrastructure. Moreover, regulatory initiatives are being introduced in several APAC countries to enhance national cybersecurity frameworks. While the region offers immense growth potential, it also faces certain challenges, including a shortage of cybersecurity professionals and fragmented regulations. However, these gaps are creating opportunities for solution providers to offer managed SVM services, especially tailored to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Prominent players in the region include Tenable, Qualys, CrowdStrike, McAfee, Trend Micro, and Sophos. Latin America: Embracing Cloud and Digital Security In Latin America, the SVM market is expanding due to increased internet penetration, higher rates of cybercrime, and the rising adoption of cloud technologies. Countries like Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia are modernizing their digital ecosystems, and with that comes a growing awareness of the need for robust security protocols. Regulatory requirements in the banking and finance sectors are also pushing organizations to invest in compliance-driven SVM tools. Nonetheless, economic volatility and a shortage of cybersecurity talent remain key hurdles. To address these issues, organizations are turning to cost-effective, cloud-based SVM solutions that offer scalability without heavy upfront investments. Key players actively serving the Latin American market include Qualys, Tenable, CrowdStrike, McAfee, IBM, and Palo Alto Networks. Middle East and Africa: Rising Threat Landscape and Smart Infrastructure The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is witnessing significant growth in the SVM software market, driven by heightened cyber threats, new data protection laws, and emerging smart city and IoT initiatives. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Nigeria are actively strengthening their cybersecurity posture as part of broader digital transformation agendas. However, this region also presents certain challenges, including limited cybersecurity budgets and varied regulatory landscapes. Despite these obstacles, the MEA market offers promising opportunities, especially in cloud security solutions and government-led cybersecurity investments. Major vendors with a growing footprint in this region include Tenable, Qualys, CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, McAfee, and Trend Micro. Browse full Report - Market Segmentation Overview The security and vulnerability management software market is segmented based on deployment mode, organization size, and geography. By deployment mode, the market is divided into: Cloud-based solutions, which offer scalability, remote access, and lower total cost of ownership—particularly attractive to SMEs. On-premises solutions, often preferred by large enterprises or highly regulated industries that require full control over data and infrastructure. By organization size, the market is segmented into: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which prioritize affordable and easy-to-implement solutions with essential functionalities. Large enterprises, which demand comprehensive tools with advanced threat analytics, real-time alerts, and integrations with broader IT ecosystems. End-User Industry Segments Security and vulnerability management software caters to a diverse array of industries and end-users. Key sectors include: Government agencies: Require highly secure environments due to the sensitivity of public data and national security concerns. Healthcare: Must comply with data protection standards like HIPAA, necessitating continuous vulnerability assessments. Retail and hospitality: Face threats from payment system breaches and require endpoint and network protection. Finance and banking: Operate under strict regulations and need real-time detection and compliance reporting tools. Technology and IT firms: Protecting intellectual property and customer data is a top priority. Education, transportation, smart cities, and home automation: All benefit from SVM solutions as their digital infrastructure continues to expand. Segments Covered in the Security and Vulnerability Management Software Market Report Security and Vulnerability Management Software Market by Deployment Mode Cloud On-Premises Security and Vulnerability Management Software Market by Organization Size SMEs Large enterprises Security and Vulnerability Management Software Market by Region North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East and Africa Competitive Landscape and Key Players The competitive landscape of the SVM market includes both established cybersecurity vendors and emerging technology firms. Tenable is known for its Nessus platform and enterprise-grade SVM offerings. Qualys provides a cloud-native approach to vulnerability detection and patch management. CrowdStrike stands out for integrating endpoint protection with vulnerability analytics. McAfee and Trend Micro offer broad cybersecurity suites that include SVM features, while Palo Alto Networks integrates vulnerability insights into its larger network and cloud security solutions. Sophos and IBM Security also have strong offerings tailored for different industry needs. Buy Now: Recent Developments: Cloud-based security and compliance service provider Qualys has added improved vulnerability management tools, such as AI-powered risk prioritization and automatic patch management. By facilitating more precise risk assessments and automated remedial procedures, this seeks to enhance system security. Improved Security Management Capabilities Acquired by Tenable Date: November 2024 Development: Indi, a top supplier of cloud-native vulnerability scanning products, was acquired by Tenable, a significant participant in the vulnerability management market. Tenable's portfolio will be strengthened by this acquisition, which will provide a new line of cloud-based security management products, particularly for companies moving to multi-cloud and hybrid settings. Important Points: Tenable's capacity to offer comprehensive vulnerability management solutions suited to contemporary cloud infrastructures will be improved by Indi's technology. Additionally, the change enhances Tenable's scalability and capacity to provide continuous monitoring and real-time vulnerability evaluations. Microsoft Updates Defender with New Vulnerability Management Features Date: October 2024 Development: To improve endpoint security, Microsoft included new vulnerability management capabilities to its Microsoft Defender security toolkit. In order to provide more thorough insights into vulnerabilities throughout the company, the changes include enhanced threat intelligence feeds, new risk detection algorithms, and a deeper interaction with Microsoft 365 Defender. Key Points: This integration predicts and ranks vulnerabilities according to threat severity by utilizing AI and machine learning. By using a single, unified platform, the move enables businesses to better manage security threats from detection to remediation. On September 2024, Rapid7 launches their vulnerability risk management solution. Development: To assist enterprises in prioritizing vulnerabilities according to their potential impact and business risk, cybersecurity company Rapid7 has introduced a new vulnerability risk management system. Integrated workflows in the solution provide quicker risk mitigation and remediation. Important Points: The technology helps security teams make better decisions by evaluating the commercial impact of vulnerabilities using predictive analytics. Large corporations and SMBs seeking all-inclusive yet simple-to-implement vulnerability management solutions are the target audience. CrowdStrike Introduces New Patch and Vulnerability Management Products August 2024 Development: Within its Falcon platform, CrowdStrike, a company well-known for its endpoint security products, included new vulnerability management and patch management features. Organizations can now detect vulnerabilities instantly and apply fixes with little interruption to business operations thanks to these new functionalities. Important Features: Users can now monitor the real-time progress of patch installations and take advantage of automatic remediation capabilities with CrowdStrike Falcon. In order to minimize the window of vulnerability, the approach employs intelligence-driven patching, which ranks patches according to their probability of exploitation. July 2024: McAfee Unveils New AI-Based Vulnerability Management System Development: To improve its current security suite, McAfee unveiled a vulnerability management solution driven by AI. The new solution significantly cuts down on the amount of time required on human threat assessments and vulnerability remediation by using machine learning to automatically detect high-risk vulnerabilities, rank them, and suggest patches. Key Points: By continuously learning from security data, McAfee's AI algorithms are able to prioritize vulnerabilities and produce forecasts that are more accurate. The system provides a smooth security management experience by integrating with other cybersecurity technologies. Qualys Increases Offerings in Cloud Security Management Date: June 2024 Development: By introducing an integrated solution for cloud vulnerability assessment, Qualys increased the scope of its cloud security management capabilities. On-premises and cloud-based infrastructures may be managed and secured from a single platform thanks to the new solution, which focuses on vulnerability management in public cloud settings. Important Points: The new solution enhances visibility throughout an organization's infrastructure by enabling ongoing vulnerability scans and risk assessments for cloud workloads. To improve security operations, the service integrates with third-party systems and offers customisable reports. BreachLock Launches Managed Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Scanning Service Date: May 2024 Development: A new penetration testing and vulnerability scanning solution targeted at small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) was introduced by managed security services company BreachLock. The purpose of this service is to give companies sophisticated vulnerability management tools without requiring internal knowledge. Important Points: The service offers a thorough method of vulnerability evaluation by fusing automated vulnerability scanning with human-driven penetration testing. SMEs gain access to real-time vulnerability data, repair suggestions, and continual assistance to improve their security posture over time. Palo Alto Networks Increases Its Capabilities for Vulnerability Management Date: April 2024 Development: The Cortex XSOAR platform from Palo Alto Networks now has integrated vulnerability management tools that offer threat intelligence and vulnerability scanning capabilities, among other enhanced features. By dynamically correlating security data from throughout the company, the new functionalities aim to enhance incident response times and vulnerability discovery. Important Points: Teams can react swiftly to hazards that have been identified because to the platform's combination of vulnerability management and security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) capabilities. Using machine learning, the improved vulnerability management system ranks vulnerabilities according to their business effect and exploitability. This report is also available in the following languages : Japanese (セキュリティおよび脆弱性管理ソフトウェア市場), Korean (보안 및 취약점 관리 소프트웨어 시장), Chinese (安全和漏洞管理软件市场), French (Marché des logiciels de gestion de la sécurité et des vulnérabilités), German (Markt für Sicherheits- und Schwachstellenmanagement-Software), and Italian (Mercato del software di gestione della sicurezza e della vulnerabilità), etc. Request Sample Pages: More Research Finding – Aviation Quality Assurance Market The global aviation quality assurance market is projected to reach approximately $5 billion in 2024, with expectations to grow to nearly $8 billion by 2034. This reflects a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 5.5% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Smart Grid Market The global smart grid market is expected to grow at 19.1% CAGR from 2019 to 2028. It is expected to reach above USD 145.65 billion by 2028 from USD 30.43 billion in 2019. Cloud Compliance Market The global cloud compliance market is valued at approximately $3.5 billion, driven by increasing regulatory demands and the necessity for businesses to manage their data securely across cloud environments. The market is projected to reach about $8.2 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust growth trajectory. Freight Forwarding Management Software Market The global freight forwarding management software market is projected to reach a value of approximately $9 billion in 2024, driven by increasing globalization and the need for efficient supply chain management. With businesses seeking to optimize logistics and reduce costs, the market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 9.5% from 2025 to 2034, reaching an estimated $22 billion by the end of the forecast period. Hospitality Management Software Market The global hospitality management software market is valued at approximately $5.9 billion. The market is poised for substantial growth, with a projected value of around $12 billion by 2034, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.5% during the 2025–2034 period. Shelf Management Software Market The global shelf management software market is projected to reach a value of approximately $1.2 billion in 2024. Expected to witness robust growth, the market is forecasted to expand to around $2.8 billion by 2034, demonstrating a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 8.7% during the period from 2025 to 2034. Restaurant Software Market The global restaurant software market is poised for significant growth, estimated to reach $10.5 billion in 2024, with a projected value of approximately $20 billion by 2034. This represents a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 7.1% from 2025 to 2034. Remote Office Software Market The global remote office software market is valued at approximately $12 billion in 2024, reflecting a robust demand as organizations embrace hybrid work models. Projections indicate a market expansion to about $25 billion by 2034, driven by ongoing technological advancements and the rising preference for flexible work environments. Hotel Channel Management Software Market The global hotel channel management software market is poised to reach approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, driven by a growing emphasis on optimizing online presence and revenue management. The market is projected to expand significantly, with an estimated value of $2.5 billion by 2034, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 7.7% during the forecast period of 2025–2034. Commercial Real Estate Equity Investment Market The global commercial real estate (CRE) equity investment market is poised for significant growth, currently valued at approximately $1.8 trillion in 2024. Projections indicate that this value may reach around $2.5 trillion by 2034, reflecting an upward trend driven by evolving investment strategies and increased demand across various sectors. The forecast period from 2025 to 2034 is expected to witness a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 4.2%. Permit Management Software Market The global permit management software market is valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, with projections indicating growth to around $2.6 billion by 2034. This represents a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Loyalty Management Software Market The global loyalty management software market is projected to reach approximately $6.3 billion in 2024, with a growing demand for personalized customer experiences and retention strategies. Over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034, the market is expected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8%, reaching an estimated value of $19.3 billion by 2034. Batch Management Software Market The global batch management software market is valued at approximately $3.2 billion. Projections indicate significant growth, with an estimated market value of $5.6 billion by 2034. This growth reflects a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 6.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Maritime Software Market The global maritime software market is valued at approximately $3.4 billion in 2024, with projections suggesting it will reach around $6.2 billion by 2034. This indicates a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 6.4% over the forecast period (2025–2034). Skills Management Software Market The global skills management software market is projected to reach approximately $6.4 billion in 2024, with a robust growth trajectory expected through the next decade. By 2034, the market value is anticipated to soar to around $14.9 billion, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2025 to 2034. Co-working Space Market The global co-working space market is projected to reach a valuation of approximately $48 billion in 2024, driven by the increasing demand for flexible workspaces and the rise of remote and hybrid working models. Over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034, the market is expected to grow significantly, with a projected value of around $90 billion by 2034. This growth corresponds to a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3%. Automobile Dealer Software Market The global automobile dealer software market is valued at approximately $2.1 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach around $4.5 billion by 2034, indicating a strong growth trajectory. This represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 8% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Automatic Sample Processing System Market The global automatic sample processing system market is poised for significant growth, with a market value of approximately $2.6 billion in 2024. Projections indicate it will reach around $5.4 billion by 2034, driven by advancements in laboratory automation and increasing demand for high-throughput solutions across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and clinical diagnostics. This reflects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 8.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. ECG Management System Market The global ECG Management System market is poised for significant growth, with an estimated market value of $1.5 billion in 2024. Projections indicate a robust expansion, forecasting a market value of approximately $3.2 billion by 2034. This reflects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 8.2% from 2025 to 2034, driven by technological advancements and increasing adoption of digital health solutions. U.S. Clinical Practice Management Software Market The U.S. clinical practice management software (CPMS) market is projected to reach approximately $6.7 billion in value by 2024, driven by the increasing demand for streamlined healthcare operations and enhanced patient care. The market is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034, with an estimated value of around $12 billion by 2034. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 6.2%. CONTACT: Irfan Tamboli (Head of Sales) Phone: + 1704 266 3234 Email: sales@ in to access your portfolio
AU Financial Review
3 days ago
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Navigating Australia's evolving data landscape under new compliance pressures
In addition, fragmented systems create blind spots. This not only undermines compliance, but also makes it harder to detect security threats, innovate with confidence, or respond quickly to operational disruptions. 'Australian organisations are flooded with data. Data runs through every system [and] decision,' says Craig Bates, senior vice-president and general manager of Asia Pacific at Splunk, a leader in cybersecurity and observability. 'But the reality is, they're drowning in data but starving for insights.' Aurélie Jacquet, chair of the Standards Australia committee representing Australia at the International Standards on Artificial Intelligence, says many of these issues stem from a lack of continuous quality oversight. 'In the age of AI, ongoing data-quality management is inescapable,' she says. 'It is key for organisations [to] demonstrate how they manage data quality in a safe and responsible manner.' Governance gaps and regulatory pressure Poor enforcement of basic data policies remains a major vulnerability. According to the same Splunk report, many organisations still struggle to enforce key controls like where data should be stored, who should have access, and how long it should be retained. Bates says the pressure isn't just coming from local regulators. 'Global policies like the EU's General Data Protection Regulation [GDPR] are also shaping expectations, particularly for multinationals and any business working with customer data or deploying AI models.' Jacquet adds that regulatory pressure is accelerating a needed shift, pushing organisations to take a more deliberate, end-to-end approach to operational risk management, especially as AI becomes more deeply embedded in business operations. '[Organisations need to be asking:] What is good enough data quality that is appropriate to build data products or train AI systems safely and responsibly?' 'What are our data blind spots? How can we address them to ensure we deliver quality products and services?' Bates adds that leading organisations are finding ways to balance control and agility. 'They've put the right guardrails in place – and this includes clear policies, data quality standards, and visibility across environments.' Rising costs, slower decisions 'Today's biggest challenges – service disruptions, security incidents, flawed AI outputs – are all symptoms of poor data management,' says Bates. Disjointed data environments are costing Australian organisations in more ways than they realise. According to Splunk's report, 88 per cent of ANZ respondents say their data-management spend has increased in the past year. Bates says the cost burden goes beyond dollars and cents; it's also about speed and resilience. 'Compliance still matters, but it's not the full picture,' he says. 'More organisations are recognising that if they can't access reliable data quickly and securely, they're unable to respond effectively to threats, disruptions or even to change.' That's because fragmented systems obscure critical signals and force teams to work in silos. This slows down detection, delays recovery efforts, and makes it harder to launch or scale new initiatives. Practices like data federation — enabling organisations to access and analyse data without migrating — offers a path forward. Despite its benefits, only 20 per cent of ANZ respondents say they've fully implemented such capabilities. Those who have are seeing measurable gains including faster access to data. In fact, Australian organisations with a federated strategy have saved an average of AUD $1.9 million. Data governance in daily operations Clearly, navigating these fault lines successfully isn't just about technology. It's also about strategy and discipline. The organisations making real progress have moved beyond surface-level fixes. Governance is meaningfully embedded into daily operations. Visibility and data quality are also central. They prioritise trusted access to support confident decisions – and faster, more resilient responses. They also invest in modern data management practices like data reuse and tiering: global organisations that employ reuse are 46 per cent less likely to face hurdles with high data volumes, while 50 per cent of those using tiering report reduced storage costs. '[They've] made a clear decision to get their data house in order,' says Bates. 'Teams can get the right data at the right time, without delays or second-guessing.' Jacquet says positive progress is underpinned by intentionality and rigour. 'The more mature organisations have developed data-quality models,' she says. 'When they create or acquire datasets, these organisations set data-quality goals, data requirements and measurements that are specific to their use case.' From compliance to capability For leading organisations, compliance is only part of the puzzle. 'Make data your priority,' says Bates. 'If there's one thing to get right, it's building a trusted, usable data foundation that supports how your business actually runs. Without that, you can't scale AI responsibly, respond to data breaches quickly, or recover from downtime with confidence' he adds. 'Start small if you need to. But start.'
Euronews
4 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
WhatsApp will get ads. That might cause backlash in Europe
WhatsApp said that users will start seeing adverts in parts of the app, as owner Meta Platforms moves to cultivate a new revenue stream by tapping the billions of people who use the messaging service. Advertisements will be shown only in the app's Updates tab, which is used by as many as 1.5 billion people each day. However, they will not appear where personal chats are located, developers said. 'The personal messaging experience on WhatsApp isn't changing, and personal messages, calls and statuses are end-to-end encrypted and cannot be used to show ads,' WhatsApp said in a blog post on Monday. It is a big change for the company, whose founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton vowed to keep the platform free of ads when they created it in 2009. Facebook purchased WhatsApp in 2014 and the pair left a few years later. Parent company Meta Platforms Inc. has long been trying to generate revenue from WhatsApp. WhatsApp said ads will be targeted to users based on information like their age, the country or city where they're located, the language they're using, the channels they're following in the app, and how they're interacting with the ads they see. WhatsApp said it will not use personal messages, calls and groups that a user is a member of to target ads to the user. The European Commission signalled last year that the move fails to comply with its Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The European Centre for Digital Rights (noyb), led by privacy activist Max Schrems said that Meta's 'Pay or Okay' approach effectively forces users to choose between privacy and affordability. "Meta is doing exactly the opposite of what EU law requires," Schrems said in a statement. "The data of its various platforms gets linked, and users are tracked for advertising without any genuine choice. Without freely given consent, linking data and showing personalised advertising is clearly illegal," he added. Noyb said it would examine Meta's actions and "initiate procedures against the company "if necessary". The details depend on Meta's practical implementation and therefore cannot yet be assessed conclusively. Schrems said he expected a WhatsApp exodus to the messaging app Signal. 'Signal works just as well as WhatsApp, but is non-profit and donation-funded," he said. WhatsApp unveiled three advertising features on Monday as it tries to monetise the app's user base. Channels will also be able to charge users a monthly fee for subscriptions so they can get exclusive updates. Business owners will also be able to pay to promote their channel's visibility to new users. Most of Meta's revenue comes from ads. In 2025, the Menlo Park, California-based company's revenue totalled $164.5 billion (€142 billion) and $160.6 billion (€138 billion) of it came from advertising. Even though Europe is still lagging in the deployment of standalone 5G networks, the bloc is slowly catching up with other regions in the world, a European Commission report on connectivity targets published Monday suggested. The so-called Digital Decade report said that targets to have all EU households connected to 5G by 2030 - presented by the Commission in 2021 - ware likely to be met. 'The percentage of households covered by 5G (all spectrum bands) rose by 5.3 percentage points, from 89.0% in 2023 to 94.3% in 2024. This represents a year-on-year increase of 6.0%. According to the forecast along the baseline trajectory, 100% of the target is expected to be achieved already by 2027,' the report said. When it comes to rural areas, just under 80% were reached by 5G coverage, up from 71% in 2023. Korea leads with 100% coverage, followed by Japan (99.2%) and Norway (99.0%). The US (97.0%), India and China (all 95%) also exceed or match the EU's coverage rate. 5G connections are deemed necessary as the use of internet connected devices, industrial appliances and data volumes increase. The report – which also looked at digital skills, cloud and AI uptake -- said that overall, the EU made 'steady progress' in 2024 in digitalising key public services, but a substantial portion of governmental digital infrastructure continues to depend on service providers from outside the EU. 'The data shows persisting challenges, such as fragmented markets, overly complex regulations, security and strategic dependence. Further public and private investment and easier access to venture capital for EU companies would accelerate innovation and scale up,' the report said. In December, the Commission is set to present its Digital Networks Act (DNA), an overhaul of the bloc's telecom rules to address connectivity issues. A consultation on the DNA is currently open. In a response to Monday's report, Alessandro Gropelli, director general of telecom association Connect Europe, said a 'deep reform of Europe's connectivity policies is required.' 'We support an ambitious Digital Networks Act inspired by the Draghi Report: in the 21st century, there is no competitiveness without strong connectivity companies,' he added. Laszlo Toth, head of Europe at mobile network operators' trade association GSMA, said the report was encouraging but cautioned against complacency. "Getting a basic level of 5G coverage across Europe is one thing but actually providing people with the level of connectivity they need remains a huge challenge under current regulatory circumstances. We need the Commission to continue to look to the future in the upcoming DNA and merger reviews and promote a simplified and pro-investment environment where our digital ecosystem can truly thrive," said Toth. The 27 EU member states will now discuss the Commission's report and discuss the way forward. Next year, the EU executive will review the targets and whether they still reflect the evolving demand of the EU's priorities.
